Let's dive deep into the Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012. This article gives you the complete rundown on what made this electric van tick, its features, performance, and overall value. Whether you're a van enthusiast, considering buying one, or just curious about electric vehicles, this is for you!

Overview of the Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012

The Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012 marked Ford's foray into the electric van market. It aimed to provide a practical and eco-friendly solution for businesses and individuals needing a compact cargo hauler. Ford collaborated with Azure Dynamics, an experienced electric powertrain developer, to bring this vehicle to life. The Transit Connect Electric combined the utility of the standard Transit Connect with a zero-emission electric drivetrain, making it an interesting proposition for urban environments and short-range applications.

When it comes to understanding the significance of the Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012, it's essential to recognize the context of its release. The early 2010s were a period of burgeoning interest in electric vehicles, with automakers exploring various segments to introduce EVs. The Transit Connect Electric was Ford's attempt to capture a niche market that required a practical, cargo-capable vehicle with a smaller environmental footprint. It targeted businesses engaged in local deliveries, service providers operating within city limits, and environmentally conscious consumers looking for a versatile vehicle.

The development process involved integrating Azure Dynamics' Force Drive electric powertrain into the existing Transit Connect platform. This collaboration allowed Ford to leverage Azure Dynamics' expertise in electric vehicle technology while utilizing the established infrastructure and manufacturing processes for the Transit Connect. The resulting vehicle featured a battery pack mounted under the cargo floor, an electric motor driving the front wheels, and a suite of electronic controls and monitoring systems. This setup provided a balance of cargo capacity, range, and performance suitable for its intended applications. The Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012 aimed to address the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions, offering a viable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vans in specific use cases.

Key Features and Specifications

The Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012 packed several notable features. Here’s a breakdown:

• Electric Powertrain: The van featured an electric motor producing around 70 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. This provided adequate power for city driving and hauling moderate loads.
• Battery Pack: It used a 28 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, offering a range of approximately 50-80 miles on a full charge. The range varied depending on driving conditions, load, and climate.
• Charging: Charging could be done via a standard 120V outlet (taking around 12-15 hours) or a 240V charger (taking about 6-8 hours). This flexibility allowed users to charge at home or at public charging stations.
• Cargo Capacity: Despite the battery pack, the Transit Connect Electric retained a significant cargo capacity of around 135 cubic feet. This made it suitable for various commercial applications, such as delivering packages or transporting equipment.
• Regenerative Braking: The van incorporated a regenerative braking system, which helped to recapture energy during deceleration. This extended the driving range and improved overall efficiency.
• Technology: The Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012 included features like a navigation system, real-time energy consumption display, and remote monitoring capabilities. These technologies helped drivers manage their energy usage and plan routes efficiently. Safety features included standard airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control.

Diving deeper into the technical specifications, the Transit Connect Electric had a top speed of around 75 mph, which was sufficient for most urban and suburban driving scenarios. The vehicle's weight distribution was carefully managed to ensure stability and handling, despite the added weight of the battery pack. The suspension system was also tuned to provide a comfortable ride, even with the added payload. The interior of the Transit Connect Electric was designed with practicality in mind, featuring durable materials and a functional layout. The seats were comfortable and supportive, and the controls were easy to reach and operate. The van also offered a range of customization options, allowing businesses to configure the cargo area to meet their specific needs.

Performance and Driving Experience

Driving the Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012 offered a unique experience compared to its gasoline-powered counterpart. The electric motor provided instant torque, resulting in quick acceleration from a standstill. This made it nimble and responsive in city traffic. The absence of engine noise and vibrations contributed to a quiet and smooth ride, enhancing the overall driving experience. However, the limited horsepower meant that acceleration at higher speeds was less impressive. The van performed best in urban environments where frequent stops and starts were the norm.

The regenerative braking system played a significant role in the driving experience. It allowed drivers to slow down the vehicle by simply lifting off the accelerator pedal, which helped to recapture energy and extend the driving range. The level of regenerative braking could be adjusted to suit different driving conditions and preferences. The handling of the Transit Connect Electric was generally good, thanks to its well-balanced weight distribution and responsive steering. However, the added weight of the battery pack did affect the vehicle's cornering ability, and drivers needed to be mindful of this when navigating sharp turns.

Regarding real-world performance, the Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012 delivered adequate range for most urban applications. However, the range was significantly affected by factors such as temperature, driving style, and load. In cold weather, the battery's performance decreased, reducing the driving range. Aggressive driving and carrying heavy loads also had a negative impact on the range. To maximize the driving range, drivers needed to adopt efficient driving habits, such as avoiding sudden acceleration and braking, and maintaining a steady speed. Overall, the Transit Connect Electric provided a practical and eco-friendly transportation solution for businesses and individuals operating in urban environments.

Pros and Cons

Like any vehicle, the Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012 had its strengths and weaknesses. Here's a balanced view:

Pros:

• Zero Emissions: One of the biggest advantages was its zero-emission operation, making it environmentally friendly, especially in urban areas with air quality concerns.
• Low Running Costs: Electricity is typically cheaper than gasoline, resulting in lower fuel costs. Reduced maintenance requirements, such as no oil changes, further lowered the overall running costs.
• Quiet Operation: The electric motor provided a quiet and smooth ride, enhancing the driving experience and reducing noise pollution.
• Cargo Capacity: The van retained a significant cargo capacity, making it suitable for various commercial applications.
• Government Incentives: In some regions, buyers were eligible for government incentives, such as tax credits and rebates, which reduced the initial purchase price.

Cons:

• Limited Range: The driving range was relatively short compared to gasoline-powered vehicles, which could be a limiting factor for some users.
• Long Charging Times: Charging the battery could take several hours, especially with a standard 120V outlet. This required careful planning and scheduling.
• Higher Purchase Price: The initial purchase price was higher than the gasoline-powered Transit Connect, which could be a barrier for some buyers.
• Battery Life and Replacement: The battery pack had a limited lifespan, and replacing it could be expensive. This was a significant consideration for long-term ownership.
• Performance Limitations: The electric motor had limited horsepower, which affected acceleration at higher speeds and the ability to carry heavy loads.

Considering the pros and cons, the Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012 was best suited for specific applications where its strengths outweighed its weaknesses. Businesses engaged in local deliveries, service providers operating within city limits, and environmentally conscious consumers were the most likely to benefit from this vehicle. However, those who required long-range capabilities or the ability to carry heavy loads may have found it less suitable.

Market Reception and Sales

The Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012 received mixed reviews from the automotive press. Some praised its zero-emission operation, quiet ride, and practical cargo capacity. Others criticized its limited range, long charging times, and higher purchase price. Overall, the van was seen as a niche vehicle with limited appeal to the mass market.

Sales figures for the Transit Connect Electric were relatively low. Ford did not release specific sales numbers, but it is estimated that only a few hundred units were sold in the United States. Several factors contributed to the low sales volume. The higher purchase price compared to the gasoline-powered Transit Connect was a significant barrier for many buyers. The limited driving range and long charging times also deterred some potential customers. Additionally, the lack of a widespread charging infrastructure made it difficult for some users to rely on the vehicle for their daily transportation needs.

Despite the low sales volume, the Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012 played an important role in advancing the development and adoption of electric vehicles. It demonstrated the feasibility of electrifying commercial vehicles and provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with electric vehicle technology. The Transit Connect Electric also helped to raise awareness of the benefits of electric vehicles and paved the way for future electric commercial vehicles with improved range, performance, and affordability.

Current Value and Availability

As a vehicle from 2012, the Ford Transit Connect Electric's current value is significantly lower than its original MSRP. The value varies based on condition, mileage, and location. You can typically find these vans on used car markets or auctions, but availability might be limited due to the lower production numbers.

When evaluating a used Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012, several factors should be considered. The condition of the battery pack is of paramount importance, as it can significantly impact the vehicle's range and performance. A battery health check should be performed to assess its remaining capacity. The overall condition of the vehicle, including the body, interior, and mechanical components, should also be inspected. Any signs of wear and tear or damage should be carefully evaluated. The vehicle's maintenance history should be reviewed to ensure that it has been properly maintained and serviced.

Due to its age, finding replacement parts for the Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012 may be challenging. Some parts may no longer be readily available, and sourcing them may require specialized knowledge and effort. The availability of qualified technicians to service and repair the vehicle may also be limited. Owners should be prepared for the possibility of higher maintenance costs and longer repair times. Despite these challenges, the Transit Connect Electric can still be a viable option for those seeking an affordable and eco-friendly transportation solution, provided that they are willing to invest the time and effort required to maintain it.

Conclusion

The Ford Transit Connect Electric 2012 was an early entrant in the electric van market. While it had limitations in terms of range and charging times, it offered a practical and environmentally friendly solution for specific applications. Its zero-emission operation, quiet ride, and cargo capacity made it suitable for urban deliveries and service providers. Although its market reception and sales were modest, it contributed to the advancement of electric vehicle technology and paved the way for future electric commercial vehicles. If you're considering a used one, be sure to assess its battery health and overall condition carefully. For the right user, it can still be a worthwhile choice.